Faculty Research Finance Administrator

McGill University

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

This posting is for a one-year, temporary leave replacement position in the Finance Office of the Faculty of Engineering. The role involves providing financial and accounting services to support the recording and reporting of the University’s financial position. This includes developing and implementing financial strategies, providing financial information and analysis, evaluating business and financial implications of investment proposals, implementing and monitoring financial policies and procedures, developing and implementing financial controls, and processing and monitoring financial transactions. The position also involves auditing various operations, investing University funds, managing insurance claims and risk practices, and ensuring effective procurement strategies.

Requirements

Diligent colleague with strong attention to detail, interested and motivated to support the community (students, professors, colleagues) in financial and accounting activities.
Experienced as a primary point of contact, providing explanations, guidance and training on policies and procedures related to post-award funds from granting agencies and internal McGill funds.
Demonstrated experience with research funds finance administration.
Knowledge of financial processes, such as but not limited to McGill Marketplace, accounts payable, accounts receivable invoicing, different/general budget procedures, financial research administration and Tri-Agency grants regulations.
Proven ability to prioritize and meet specific deadlines.
Able to show attention to detail without losing sight of the bigger picture and to work autonomously and as part of a diverse and closely-knit team.
Ability to interact effectively with students, staff, and faculty of all levels and backgrounds.
Demonstrated ability to work in a PC environment, already advanced in using Excel, Minerva, Banner (FIS), Crystal Reports, and Workday.
Knowledge of French and English: McGill University is an English-language university where day to day duties may require English communication both verbally and in writing. The level of English required for this position has been assessed at a level 4 on a scale of 0-4.

Responsibilities

Act as a primary point of contact for Researchers requiring financial / administrative assistance during the post award management of their research funding.
Communicate University procedures as they apply to research funds to promote compliance with all applicable regulations and policies.
Provide relevant training to local users and act as a help desk where collaboration is necessary to roll out new systems, processes, or other tools which will facilitate research administration.
Review fund balances and expiry dates in collaboration with Research Financial Management Services (RFMS) and Office of Sponsored Research for planning purposes and ensure continuity / renewal of funds where applicable.
Validate expenditures for compliance with applicable Sponsor terms and conditions and University policies.
Promote sound record retention practices to PIs (Principal Investigators) to facilitate ease of access and compliance with all regulatory policies for retention of documents.
Liaise with RFMS for assistance with resolution of fund over-expenditures, filing of financial reports to Sponsors and other relevant information related to research fund activities.
Remind PIs of reporting deadlines to ensure smooth research activities.
Assist with the correction of ineligible expenditures charged to research grants or other funds.
Review and approve Expense Reimbursement Claims to ensure compliance with applicable policies.
Initiate and process a number of accounting activities such as opening funds, journal entries, supplier invoices and cheque deposits.
Participate in Special Projects.

Benefits

Competitive benefits package (Health, Dental, Life Insurance) (if eligible)
Defined contribution pension plan (with employer contribution up to 10%) (if eligible)
Group Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) and Tax Free Savings Account (TFSA)
Competitive vacation policy
Two (2) personal days
Two (2) floating holidays
Nine (9) "Summer Fridays" - paid days off between the St-Jean Baptiste holiday and Labour Day
Paid time off over the December holiday period
Tuition waiver for regular employees and their dependents
Up to two (2) days of remote work per week where the position permits